How I Got Here: From Mecca to Isamaya Ffrench, with Makenzie Anderson

“I’ve moved cities alone twice, both for work.”

Welcome to How I Got Here, where we talk to people who are killing it in their respective fields about how they landed their awe-inspiring jobs, exploring the peaks and pits, the failures and the wins, and most importantly, the knowledge, advice and practical tips they’ve gleaned on the journey.

Like many of us with roles in or adjacent to the fashion industry, The Devil Wears Prada marked something of an awakening for Makenzie Anderson. Though she went on to study marketing and accounting, she quickly realised that she didn’t want to spend her life wading through Excel spreadsheets. Instead, she got her start by climbing the ranks at Mecca.

Looking for a new nine-to-five? Head to our Careers page for new listings daily. 

“I truly grew up in the Meccaverse, starting in-store at 18 on the shop floor in Wellington, before moving to Melbourne to join the digital marketing team,” Makenzie tells me. Her role progressed from the organic social team to working across Mecca’s campaigns. It was there, after nine years, that she met British makeup artist and beauty visionary, Isamaya Ffrench. Soon after, she was packing her bags to move to London as Isamaya Beauty’s Head of Social and Content.

Few people could ‘fill a page’ with reasons why they love working with their boss, but Makenzie and Isamaya’s relationship transcends most. “She’s such a cheerleader for the people in her life… There truly is only one Isamaya Ffrench, and anyone lucky enough to have her in their life will agree with me.”

More recently, Makenzie has stepped beyond the world of beauty into design, as Head of Marketing and Strategy for Studio Iron, a design platform founded by Isamaya. “The design world feels expansive and building something from the ground up is incredibly rewarding,” she says. In practice, Studio Iron operates as a concept store and gallery, showcasing furniture, homewares, fine arts and functional design from emerging artists.

Fashion Journal: Hi Makenzie! Did you have an idea of your dream job growing up?

Makenzie: The Devil Wears Prada was the career version of a sexual awakening for me. From a young age, I knew I needed to wear heels to work (10-year-old Kenzie didn’t know about Tabis yet). I have a degree in accounting and flirted with the idea of going Big Four, but I quickly realised a life in spreadsheets wasn’t going to be for me.

Take us back to when you were first starting out in the industry. How did you get your foot in the door?

I truly grew up in the ‘Meccaverse’, starting in-store at 18 on the shop floor in Wellington, before moving to Melbourne to join the Digital Marketing team. I started in Organic Social before moving to work across Mecca’s own campaigns and brand campaigns for the likes of Tom Ford, Glossier, La Mer, Tatcha and MAC. I spent almost nine years there and it completely shaped how I work. Mecca is full of the most incredible, smart, passionate and driven women, and I’m forever grateful for that chapter.

I met Isamaya while she was on a trip to Australia, and not long after moved to London as Head of Social and Content at Isamaya Beauty. Earlier this year, I joined Isamaya on her new venture, Studio Iron, a design concept store and gallery space in Soho. The aim is to create an interdisciplinary platform that brings together artists and designers working across art, design, fashion and contemporary culture.

I’ll always love the beauty world but after a decade, the shift has been refreshing. The design world feels expansive and building something from the ground up is incredibly rewarding. I’m beyond excited for how this chapter is going to unfold.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your life on the job now? 

Right now we’re deep in prep for a showcase at London Design Festival, exploring objects that exist beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, where material innovation, sculptural form and functional design converge. It’s Studio Iron’s second physical expression, following our show with Saatchi Yates, and I can’t wait to see it come to life.

A typical day might involve a shoot, meeting designers and brand partners, planning events and exhibitions, or being stuck in Shopify jail – all with the aim of growing Studio Iron into something that sparks conversation, connection and fills a real gap in the industry.

What exciting projects have you been working on recently?

London Design Festival has been a huge focus this month. We’re also very close to opening the Studio Iron show showroom in Soho. This will be the physical expression of Studio Iron, a space where we host events and exhibitions. You’ll have to follow along to see what’s next!

What’s the best part about your role? 

The people, for sure. I’d rather do the worst job with the best people than the best job with the worst people, but somehow, I’ve got the best of both. Throughout my career, I’ve been surrounded by such talent, from women in powerful roles to incredible creatives and people just genuinely driven to succeed.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a role like yours one day?

Say yes to everything and offer to do things outside your role. When you first start out in your career, you’re not really worth much to a company but you can make yourself indispensable by learning, connecting with people and staying curious.

I’m also a huge believer in never being too big for the small jobs. Take out the bins, steam the garment, help with the coffee run. I’ve stayed for more late-night pack downs than I can count, and done the most ridiculous things in the name of the job. They make great stories and build true work friendships. The more people want you on their team, the more opportunities come your way.

What’s the most inspiring thing about working with Isamaya?

I could fill this page with reasons why I love working with Isamaya. Anyone who’s worked with her will tell you she’s an incredibly hard worker, a true visionary and a lot of fun. She’s such a cheerleader for the people in her life – it’s a huge part of why Studio Iron exists as a platform for emerging artists and designers, and that kind of energy creates inspiration. There truly is only one Isamaya Ffrench, and anyone lucky enough to have her in their life will agree with me.

What has been a major career highlight for you so far?

I recently worked on an Isamaya x Nike ‘Run Forever’ campaign. Working for one of the biggest brands in the world was definitely a highlight. We shot with Rodrigo Inada and took a much more humorous approach than Nike usually goes for. It was incredible to see the work across billboards around London.

Also, if I look back further, my first-ever campaign shoot with Mecca still stands out too. It was my first work trip to Sydney and being on a set that size. It’s not the greatest achievement by any measure, but it’s sweet to think about how I felt on that trip.

What challenges have you faced getting to where you are now? 

I’ve moved cities alone twice, both for work. Once was from New Zealand to Melbourne for Mecca, then to London for Isamaya. Anyone who’s done it will know exactly how hard that is. London can be a harsh city and I didn’t have much of a network here. Any of my friends reading this will know I spent a lot of time alone those first few months.

I went to work, to Pilates, to the overpriced grocery store near my house and cried in public more times than I’d like to admit. But I had to trust that I was in the right place and that everything was going to make sense eventually.

I’ve now built such a rich life here, filled with incredible people, little rituals and a few new winter coats. I can definitely see myself here long term (sorry, mum and dad!).

What skills have served you well in your industry?

That’s a scary question to answer in public but I think I’ve always been good with people. Some advice I got early on was that it’s better to be interested than interesting, and I think that has served me well. Genuine curiosity gets you further than being the loudest person in the room and builds true connection.

What about a practical tip?

Put your feather pillows and duvet out in the sun to re-fluff them; thank me later when you’re sleeping on a cloud!

Keep up with Makenzie here.